Mr. Altig’s Overview of the Wonderful Dharma of the Lotus Sutra

The Great Teachings of The Lotus of the True Law, Chapter 7f–The Divine Petition and Cosmic Illumination

Main Theme: This passage from an unidentified Buddhist text describes the celestial events that occurred. They surrounded the Buddha’s decision to preach the Dharma (the Buddhist teachings). It highlights the role of divine beings in recognizing and urging the Buddha to share his wisdom with the world.

Key Ideas/Facts:

• Divine Petition: The passage opens with a heartfelt plea from Brahma angels. They urge the Buddha, addressed as “Lord Mahabhignagnanabhibhu” (Great-Knowledge-and-Dominance), to share his teachings. They stress that his message is universal. They call for him to preach to all beings, regardless of their status or nature.
• Quote: “May the Lord set in motion the wheel of the law! May the Lord preach final rest! May the Lord release all beings! Be favorable to this world, O Lord!”
• Cosmic Illumination: Following the angels’ plea, a mysterious phenomenon occurs. The aerial vehicles of Brahma angels in a vast region of the universe start to glitter. They glow with unprecedented intensity. This event is interpreted as a sign of great significance.
• Quote: “In the south-eastern quarter of the universe, the aerial vehicles of the Brahma angels began to glitter. They glowed with extraordinary splendor. They sparkled with glory in the vast realms of fifty hundred thousand myriads of spheres.”
• Interpretation and Search: The Brahma angels are led by Adhimatrakarunika (“Exceedingly Compassionate”). They interpret the luminous phenomenon as a sign of the Buddha’s arrival. They embark on a journey to locate him. They are convinced that such a grand sign signifies the presence of a Buddha.
• Quote: “A Buddha surely now has appeared at last, In this world, his wisdom to share and broadcast.”

Analysis:

The passage employs vivid imagery to convey the awe and wonder surrounding the Buddha’s enlightenment and his decision to teach. The celestial events serve as symbolic confirmation of the Buddha’s significance and the transformative power of his teachings.

Further Research:

• Identifying the specific source of this excerpt would provide further context and understanding.
• Examining other Buddhist texts that describe similar cosmic events or the role of Brahma angels would be beneficial.
• Investigating the concept of “the wheel of the law” in Buddhism is important. Understanding its significance would provide deeper insight into the passage’s central theme.